Conference Program 2025
Discover the detailed schedule of conference activities over three days. Participate in industry dialogues, strategic sessions, and networking opportunities.
09:00
AM
Welcome, Opening Remarks & Ministerial Keynote Address
09:25
AM
Leadership Dialogue – Fireside Chat
09:50
AM
GDA Leadership Award
10:00
AM
Geopolitics & Energy Markets: What It Means for the industry growth
11:00
AM
Duhur Prayer / Lunch Break
12:00
PM
Strategic Imperatives for Downstream Resilience in a Low-Margin Era
13:00
PM
Maximizing Returns: Capital Efficiency in Changing Landscape
14:00
PM
Pioneering the Future: Revolutionizing HSSE in Refineries with cutting-edge technologies
14:00
PM
From Blueprint to Reality: Mastering Project Planning, Execution and Commissioning
14:45
PM
Energy Diplomacy & Trade: Shaping the Future of Downstream
15:45
PM
Asar Prayer
16:00
PM
The Global South Pivot: Strategic Shifts for Middle East NOCs
09:00
AM
Maximizing Barrel Value: The Next Frontier in Refinery and Petrochemical Integration
10:00
AM
Global Refining Realignment: Asia's Ascent and Europe's Transition
11:00
AM
Duhur Prayer / Lunch Break
12:00
PM
Downstream Decarbonization: Demand Sustainability through Carbon Competitiveness
13:00
PM
Downstream Sustainability: Integrating Efficiency and Decarbonization for Success
13:00
PM
Innovating Refinery of The Future: Cutting-Edge Technologies from Concept to Commercialization
14:00
PM
AI for Energy, Energy for AI
15:00
PM
AI in Refineries: Accelerating Digital Transformation
16:00
PM
Asar Prayer
16:15
PM
Intelligent Integration: AI and Digitalization in Downstream
16:15
PM
Digital Reliability & Asset Integrity: Enhancing Integrity with Predictive Analytics
09:00
AM
The Hydrogen Debate: Hype, Reality & Commercial Pathways
10:00
AM
Charging Ahead: The EV Revolution and Fuel Retail Transformation
11:00
AM
Future-Proofing the Downstream Workforce: Digital Integration & DEI Initiatives
12:00
PM
Duhur Prayer / Lunch Break
12:00
PM
Navigating Complexity and Uncertainty: Achieving Supply Chain Excellence in the Downstream Industry
12:00
PM
Leadership Evolution: Cultivating Tomorrow's Leaders Today in the AI Paradigm Shift
13:00
PM
Biofuels & SAF: Can They Scale Fast Enough to Transform Mobility?
14:00
PM
Lubricants & Base Oils: Driving Efficiency in a Low-Carbon Future
15:00
PM
Conference Outcome & Closing
Ehsan Akhavan
MD Middle East & Africa, DSS+
Pioneering the Future: Revolutionizing Refineries HSSE with cutting–edge technologies
Exploring the integration of advanced technologies in refinery operations to enhance safety, security, health measures and risk mitigation involves using best industry practices, digital twins, and real-time monitoring systems to prevent accidents, ensure secure operations, and promote worker health. Additionally, implementing innovative safety protocols and cybersecurity measures ensures a safer, more secure, and healthier refinery environment.
Musallam Al Khaifi
VP Corporate HSSE, OQ
Steve Odlin
SVP Fire, Safety, and Security, BAPCO Refining
John Burgess
Founder, Smith & Burgess Process Safety Consultants
Abdulaziz M Askar
VP Engineering & Technical Services, SATORP
Raj Jhajharia
Principal Consultant, Becht
From Blueprint to Reality: Mastering Project Planning, Execution and Commissioning
Exploring how digital tools and technologies can enhance the efficiency, coordination, and outcomes of large-scale projects from the concept to commissioning
Hassan H. Al Yami
VP Ras Tanura Refinery, Aramco
Fahad Saad Al Mutairi
Acting Deputy CEO Al Zour Operations, KIPIC
Eng. Mohammed Al-Mana
CEO, Jasara
Hanny Alshazly
Managing Director, MENA Region, PMI
Paul Cannizzo
VP Sustainability and Strategic Insights, Solomon Associates
Downstream Sustainability: Integrating Efficiency and Decarbonization for Success
Discussion on strategies and technologies aimed at reducing carbon emissions while
enhancing energy efficiency in the downstream industry. This involves the integration of
new process configurations, refinery-petchem integration, advanced control systems,
digital technologies, and sustainable practices to optimize refinery processes and reduce
energy consumption and improve long-term profitability.
Sayed Mahmood Alawi
SVP, Technical Services, BAPCO Refining
Mikala Grubb
Senior Vice President, Topsoe
TBC
-
Ujjal Mukherjee
CTO, Lummus Technology
Richard Charlesworth
Executive Director, Global Head of Industry Processes and Cost Analytics, S&P CI
Innovating Refinery of The Future: Cutting-Edge Technologies from Concept to Commercialization
Advanced control systems and new process technologies to optimize refinery
processes. This track also focuses on autonomous operation systems, Advance
Process Control, solutions for process optimization, real-time optimization (RTO),
and case studies on autonomous operations
Dr. Ali Abdullah Al Meshari
SVP Technology Oversight & Coordination, Aramco
Othman Al-Ghamdi
President & CEO, Petro Rabigh
Hari Ravindran
SVP & Global Head Technology Solutions, KBR
Arun Arora
CTO, Chevron Lummus Global
Andreas Kyrilis
Senior Partner, Bain & Company
Intelligent Integration: AI and Digitalization in Downstream
This session focuses on the integration of AI and digital technologies to achieve autonomous
operations, optimize processes, predictive analytics and enable real-time decision-making in
the downstream oil and gas industry. Key areas of focus include AI-based decision-making,
Process Digital Twin, real-time optimization (RTO), and case studies on the successful
implementation of these technologies.
George Cui Shan
Chairman & President, Supcon
TBC
-
Khaled Al Blooshi
VP Digital Projects & Innovation, ADNOC
Santosh Unni
Head of Digital Transformation & AI Services, Infosys Consulting
TBC
-
Digital Reliability & Integrity: Enhancing Integrity with Predictive Analytics
Focus on how digital tools and predictive analytics can enhance reliability and asset integrity
in refinery operations. Management of shutdowns/turnarounds more efficiently, risk-based
inspection practices along with reliability centered maintenance programs with digital
footprint and best practices.
Sami Bu Rushaid
VP, Global Manufacturing Excellence, Aramco
Matt Spalding
VP APAC, Middle East, North Africa & India, Honeywell E&S Solutions
Gaetano De Santis
EVP Reliability Maintenance, BAPCO Refining
Dr. Chiraz Ennaceur
CEO and Co-Founder, CorrosionRADAR Ltd
Jad Dib
Partner, McKinsey & Co
Navigating Complexity and Uncertainty: Achieving Supply Chain Excellence in the Downstream Industry
Strategies to identification of risks, bottlenecks and manage the complexities and uncertainties
of downstream supply chains, focusing on optimizing processes, to manage future integration
like renewables (biofuels, SAF, e-fuels), EV charging infrastructure into supply chain by
leveraging advanced technologies, and enhancing collaboration.
Hisham Alnugaimish
President, Bahri Oil
Ayoub Al-Ghamdi
Project Development, S-Chem
Jerry Kalogiratos
CEO, Capital Maritime Trading Corp
TBC
-
TBC
-
Leadership Evolution: Cultivating Tomorrow's Leaders Today in the AI Paradigm shift
Discussion on required structured leadership development initiatives that focus on
upskilling and reskilling employees to make future ready leaders for new technology (AI/
ML, AR/VR, Digitalization) environment.
Nayef S Al-Otaibi
VP, Downstream HR, Aramco
Nada Al Megbaali
Vice President, Future Foresight & Creative Lab, ADNOC
Ghanim Naser Al-Otaibi
Deputy CEO Projects, KNPC
H.E. Prof. Ebrahim Al Hajri
President, Khalifa University
Ministerial Keynote
Minister of Oil and Environment in Bahrain
Ministerial Keynote Address
Moderated by:
David Ernsberger
Co-President S&P Global, Commodity Insights
Leadership Dialogue Fireside Chat
Mohammad Y. Al Qahtani
Downstream President, Aramco
Bassam A Al-Bokhari
Secretary General, GDA
CEO, EnergyTech
CEO, EnergyTech
GDA Leadership Award
Paul Gruenwald
Global Chief Economist, S&P Global Ratings
Geopolitics & Energy Markets: What It Means for the industry growth
A high-level discussion on how shifting geopolitics will shape supply chains, investment flows, and policy frameworks.
TBC
-
TBC
-
Mark Thomas
Group CEO, BAPCO Energies
Jamal Essa Al Loughani
Secretary General, OAPEC
David Ernsberger
Co-President, S&P Global Commodity Insights
Strategic Imperatives for Downstream Resilience in a Low-Margin Era
This session examines strategic approaches for enhancing downstream sector resilience amid tightening margins, focusing on operational efficiency, digital transformation, cost optimization, and sustainable business models for long-term competitiveness.
Sultan Albigishi
CEO, ADNOC Refining
Kamil Al Shanfari
CEO, OQ Refineries
Claudio Fayad
CTO, Emerson
Jeff Rinker
President & CEO, Motiva
Anthony John Wood
VP, Global Head of Oil, Midstream and Downstream Consulting, S&P CI
Maximizing Returns: Capital Efficiency in Changing Landscape
Explore strategies for enhancing capital efficiency amidst evolving market dynamics, focusing on innovative approaches to maximize returns while navigating challenges in investment and resource allocation.
Ralph Wetzels
SVP, Downstream Finance, Aramco
Jeff Currie
Chief Strategy of Energy Pathways, Carlyle
Fabricio Sousa
Global president – Worley
TBC
-
Kurt Barrow
SVP, Global Head of Oil, Fuels & Chemical Solutions, S&P CI
Energy Diplomacy & Trade: Shaping the Future of Downstream
What strategic partnerships and joint ventures are redefining market access and refining and petrochemical competitiveness.
Ibrahim Qassim Al-Buainain
EVP, Global Manufacturing
Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh
CEO, SABIC
Abdulrahman Jawahery
CEO, BAPCO Refining
Elise H Nowee
President, Shell Catalysts & Technologies
Sanjay Sharma
VP, Global Head of Chemicals Consulting, S&P CI
The Global South Pivot: Strategic Shifts for Middle East NOCs
Exploring the growing influence of emerging economies in Asia and Africa on Middle East NOC investment, trade flows, and strategic priorities.
Abdullah Salem Al Ajmi
CEO, OQ8
Saad H Binmatlig
CEO, Yasref
Francesco Palmieri Lupia
MD & Senior Partner, BCG
Sergey Denisov
CEO, Nayara Energy
Ravi Narayanaswamy
VP, Global Head of Feedstocks Research & Analytics, S&P CI
Maximizing Barrel Value: The Next Frontier in Refinery and Petrochemical Integration
Discussion on deeper integration between refining and petrochemicals material transition trends, and feedstock flexibility to future-proof assets in a lower-carbon world.
Quentin Debuisschert
CEO, Axens
Leon De Bruyn
President & CEO, Lummus Technology
Abdullah S. Al-Suwailem
SVP, West Region Manufacturing, Aramco
Mahesh Marve
Senior EVP, Research & Technology, Refinery and Chemicals, Reliance Industries
Kurt Barrow
SVP, Global Head of Oil, Fuels & Chemical Solutions, S&P CI
Global Refining Realignment: Asia’s Ascent and Europe’s Transition
How India’s refining expansion, China’s petchem-driven model, and EU’s capacity rationalization are likely to reshape global refining dynamics?
Khalid S Ghamdi
SVP, East Region Manufacturing, Aramco
Thomas Maurisse
SVP, Middle East, Asia and Strategy for Refining & Petrochemical, TotalEnergies
Rajesh Samarth
CEO, Chevron Lummus Global
Rachid Majiti
Senior Partner, McKinsey & Co.
Anthony John Wood
VP, Global Head of Oil, Midstream & Downstream Consulting, S&P CI
Downstream Decarbonization: Demand Sustainability through Carbon Competitiveness
How can refineries be ready for lower carbon world? What are the latest developments in clean hydrogen, carbon capture, and sustainable biofuels as alternatives to traditional refining?
Walid Al Naim
VP & Chief Engineer, Aramco
Andrea Bozzano
VP & CTO, Honeywell
Elena Scaltritti
Chief Commercial Officer, Topsoe
Hitoshi Masuda
Senior Executive Director (CTO), JCCP
Jack Yang
CTO, S&P CI
AI for Energy, Energy for AI
Discussion on how AI is transforming energy production, distribution, and consumption, while highlighting the rising energy demands driven by AI data servers.
Heiko Claussen
Co-CTO, AspenTech, Emerson
Norinao Sato
President & CEO, Yokogawa Middle East & Africa
AJ Abdallat
CEO, BeyondLimits
Sami A Ajmi
SVP Digital & IT, Aramco
Jad Mousalli
Partner Energy and natural Resources, Oliver Wyman
AI in Refineries: Accelerating Digital Transformation
How AI, predictive analytics, and automation are revolutionizing refinery operations—enhancing efficiency, safety, and profitability while reducing emissions.
Ahmed Al-Ghamdi
CEO, Artificial Intelligence Global Co.
Norm Gilsdorf
CEO, Plant Digital
Jack Yang
CTO, S&P CI
Abdullah Omar Al Ameri
VP Asset Development, ADNOC
Richard Charlesworth
Executive Director, Global Head of Industry Processes and Cost Analytics, S&P CI
The Hydrogen Debate: Hype, Reality & Commercial Pathways
The commercial viability and infrastructure challenges of hydrogen as a fuel of the future
Eduardo F Menezes
CEO, Air Products
Ivana Jemelkova
CEO, Hydrogen Council
Marco Arcelli
CEO, ACWA Power
TBC
-
Jim Burkhard
VP, Global Head of Oil & Mobility Research & Analytics, S&P CI
Charging Ahead: The EV Revolution and Fuel Retail Transformation
Discussion on how rising EV adoption is transforming energy demand, infrastructure needs, OEM partnerships, and impacting petrochemical consumption patterns.
TBC
-
Samuel Raudales
Chief Growth Officer, Valvoline
Sami Mohammad Al-Osaimi
EVP, Polymers SBU, SABIC
Tune Marschall
Partner, Bain & Company
Gaurav Srivastava
Regional Head - Oil Midstream & Downstream Consulting (ME & India), S&P CI
Future-Proofing the Downstream Workforce: Digital Integration & DEI Initiatives
An in-depth discussion on how AI, automation, AR/VR, reskilling, and DEI initiatives are transforming the downstream workforce—boosting safety, innovation, and inclusive growth.
Shaima Al Ghunaim
EVP Planning & Finance, KPI
Nouf Al-Sowaidi
Group Chief HR Officer, Bapco Energies
Kristy Chadwick
Group CEO, TTRO
Mark Anderson
SVP, KBC Advance Technology
Ethan Ng
Regional Head - Oil, Midstream & Downstream Consulting (APAC), S&P CI
Biofuels & SAF: Can They Scale Fast Enough to Transform Mobility?
This session examines the potential of biofuels and Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) to scale rapidly, assessing their role in transforming mobility, reducing emissions, and meeting global sustainability goals.
Khalid Al-Harthi
President & CEO, SASREF
Dr. Jennifer Holmgren
CEO, Lanza Tech
TBC
-
Deepak Munganahalli
Co-founder SAFOne
Ravi Narayanaswamy
VP, Global Head of Feedstocks Research & Analytics, S&P CI
Lubricants & Base Oils: Driving Efficiency in a Low-Carbon Future
Impact of EVs, bio-based lubricants, and synthetic oils on refining, sustainability, and industrial performance.
Brian Paliotti
President, Afton Chemicals
Samer A Al Hokail
CEO, Luberef
Marco Digioia
President, Atiel
Imad A Al-Hadlaq
EVP, Manufacturing, KPI